How to disconnect transmission lines from radiator

[efbryan]

I'm replacing a radiator in a Gen 2 Expy. I think this was mildly overheated at some point and so that may be affecting things. The core problem is there seems to be absolutely no way to disconnect the transmission lines into the radiator fittings. The gap between the locking ring and the fitting is too thin for any of the tools I have (and I have a handful!)). So I went to Horrible Fright and bought their cheap set of plastic disconnect tools. Filed and sanded to get a tool narrow enough to fit between the security ring and the fitting and then beveled the leading edge. It will not go into the fitting. I think the plastic of the tool is actually too thick to go into the fitting!. I have unscrewed the top fitting from the radiator itself and still can't seem to make any tool work to release the line. Trying to access the lower transmission/radiator fitting is much harder and I will likely have to cut down a wrench to even unscrew the fitting like I did on the top one. I think I will have to reuse the fittings anyway but this whole project is turning into a nightmare on steroids. Any suggestions, hints, prayers, curses would be appreciated.

 

[AWAR]

I tried all the plastic ones with no bueno. This is what I purchased and work better than factory removal tools.

 

[efbryan]

Found some plastic ones with the step in them and it worked. Did order a metal set as well just for future's sake. But I'll never have to replace this radiator...right???? Now struggling with the transmission lines to the radiator. The radiator didn't come with the quick connects and the adapters with it are incompatible with the old quick disconnects I pulled from the old radiator. I think I can make some sort of connectors with AN6/compression fittings. Ford never makes it easy... Will be working on electric fans and additional transmission cooler(s?) for this as well. Need to be able to tow my RV later this month to go visit a grandchild. Worried about towing in the heat of the summer.

 

[AWAR]

What year is your Exp? 03 and 04 have vertical radiators and the 05-06 have horizontal radiators. I of course own both series, I do have spare radiators for both styles.

 

[efbryan]

Mine was made in '03 but is an '04 NBX model.

 

[efbryan]

Any clue as to which line is the "hot" transmission line? Adding a couple tranny coolers and want to make sure I connect them up properly. Or which side is hot on the aux tranny cooler?